In my ongoing efforts to develop a strategy to reduce fuel dilution in my (wife's) GM HFV6 SIDI, during a Google search I saw a suggestion (on a site I cannot remember and cannot find again) that running a lower amount of engine oil than specified will increase the oil temperature (and as a possible theory goes, increase the ability of the engine to evaporate the excess fuel that is accumulating in the oil as a result of not operating the engine the amount of time necessary to normally evaporate the fuel). The writing I saw even went so far as to recommend a specified amount to run the oil low, IIRC, for less than 5 quart sump run 1/2 quart low and for 5 or more quarts run 1 quart low.
While not a proponent of intentionally running low on oil, I may not be adverse to the prospect of doing so to some degree (specifically during periods when typical operation is not optimal to evaporate the fuel) if it will provide some type of meaningful benefit on the fuel dilution issue.
My HFV6 has a stated capacity of 6 quarts. I do not think that running 1/2 quart low will be detrimental to the engine but wonder if it will provide any meaningful increase in oil temperature and therefore any increase in fuel evaporation during a typical 10 mile, 20 minute commute to work.
Without knowing the design parameters of these engines I am reluctant to consistently run a quart low on oil and even if I did the question would remain as to what benefit might accrue during such short term operation.
Of course if I do try this approach my extremely frequent used oil analysis to monitor the situation will continue but I would welcome comments from anyone with opinions as to the advisability/efficacy of such an approach?
(As previously suggested in the used oil analysis forum, I am investigating the use of an oil pan heater - got to find one that will fit - in hopes that pre-warmed oil will produce operating temperature oil quicker which will in turn produce fuel evaporation quicker.)
While not a proponent of intentionally running low on oil, I may not be adverse to the prospect of doing so to some degree (specifically during periods when typical operation is not optimal to evaporate the fuel) if it will provide some type of meaningful benefit on the fuel dilution issue.
My HFV6 has a stated capacity of 6 quarts. I do not think that running 1/2 quart low will be detrimental to the engine but wonder if it will provide any meaningful increase in oil temperature and therefore any increase in fuel evaporation during a typical 10 mile, 20 minute commute to work.
Without knowing the design parameters of these engines I am reluctant to consistently run a quart low on oil and even if I did the question would remain as to what benefit might accrue during such short term operation.
Of course if I do try this approach my extremely frequent used oil analysis to monitor the situation will continue but I would welcome comments from anyone with opinions as to the advisability/efficacy of such an approach?
(As previously suggested in the used oil analysis forum, I am investigating the use of an oil pan heater - got to find one that will fit - in hopes that pre-warmed oil will produce operating temperature oil quicker which will in turn produce fuel evaporation quicker.)
